Japan's researchers dig in for budget battle

JAPANESE scientists who depend on the government for funding are bracing themselves for a tough fight with their paymasters over next year's science budget. The country's Ministry of Finance this month starts considering proposals submitted by government departments for allocations for the year beginning 1 April 1991. Most requests already exceed the financial target that Tokyo has set. Apart from a few exceptions, such as environmental studies, space projects and research connected with overseas aid, Japan's spending on science seems set to grow only slightly ahead of the 2 per cent inflation forecast for next year.

The Ministry of Education, which in theory pays for the largest slice of Japanese science because it runs the country's universities, is asking for an overall increase just exceeding 3 per cent. Science, however, receives more generous treatment. This figure includes a request for an extra 5.7 per cent in the ministry's budget for ...

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist

App + web

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$25.99 - Save 65%

12 issues for $2.17 per issue

with continuous service

Print + web

Print

Web

$28.99 - Save 61%

12 issues for $2.42 per issue

with continuous service

Print + app + web

Print

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$39.99 - Save 73%

12 issues for $3.33 per issue

with continuous service

Web

Web only

$49.99

30 day web pass

Prices may vary according to delivery country and associated local taxes.